Hours before his tragic death in a car crash at age 35, former Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes sent a poignant seven-word WhatsApp message to his wife, Noelia Lopez.
The Final Message
Reyes, listed as ‘Papi Amor’ in Lopez’s contacts, messaged her at 7:43 a.m. on the day of the accident. Translated from Spanish, it read: “Good morning mommy I love you guys.”
Later, Lopez discovered a Valentine’s Day note from Reyes that stated: “Happy Valentine’s Day. I won’t forget you even from a distance.”
Family Life
Reyes married Lopez in 2017, and the couple welcomed two daughters. He also had a son, Jose Antonio Jr., from a previous relationship, who now trains in Real Madrid’s academy.
Following his death, Lopez described him as the “love of my life” in an emotional tribute. She said: “We will always think of you and you will live on forever in our hearts. You’ve given us the best life and you leave the best memories. You will look at me in Noelia’s eyes and you will smile with me in Triana’s smile. I love you and will love you forever.”
The Tragic Crash
In June 2019, Reyes and his 23-year-old cousin Jonathan Reyes died when their Mercedes Brabus S550 crashed on the A-376 motorway in southern Spain. Another cousin, Juan Manuel Calderon, survived with serious burns.
Illustrious Career
Reyes began at boyhood club Sevilla before joining Arsenal mid-season in 2004. He contributed to the Invincibles’ unbeaten Premier League title, made 110 appearances, won the 2005 FA Cup, and featured in the 2006 Champions League final.
A loan to Real Madrid brought a La Liga title, followed by a permanent move to Atletico Madrid in 2007, where he secured two Europa League trophies. He returned to Sevilla in 2012, adding three more Europa League wins before departing in 2016.
Tributes from Peers
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a former Spain U21 teammate and roommate, recalled: “I have great memories. He was my roommate and we spent quite a lot of time together. He was a fantastic character with a very special personality and had an incredible football talent. At that age, I can’t recall a better player than him, he had everything. He played for Arsenal and Sevilla and he is part of our history in a big way because he was part of the Invincibles as well.”
